The New York Giants signed QB Jake Haener to the active roster to create an emergency backup option, while the Saints' Tyler Shough and Giants' Malik Nabers provided injury updates ahead of Week 5.
Week 5 fantasy wide receiver rankings highlight CeeDee Lamb, Puka Nacua, and Malik Nabers as top options, with significant injury impacts on stars like Ja'Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson. Matchup analysis favors players like Michael Wilson and Jameson Williams against weak defenses, while others like Jaylen Waddle and Courtland Sutton are advised to be benched.
The Seattle Seahawks declined to sign veteran running back Joe Mixon to their practice squad following a physical examination, opting instead to sign Robert Henry Jr. from the Washington Commanders. This decision addresses a critical depth issue after first-round pick Jadarian Price was placed on injured reserve with a chest injury. Mixon, who missed the entire 2025 season with a foot injury, remains a free agent. The team currently relies on Emanuel Wilson and George Holani, with Zach Charbonnet in his practice window.
Week 4 of the 2026 NFL season brought a significant wave of injuries, with Lamar Jackson deemed day-to-day while Ja'Marr Chase and Saquon Barkley face likely absences. Tyquan Thornton and Edgerrin Cooper are feared to be season-ending cases.
Week 4 injuries have reshaped the fantasy landscape, creating high-value opportunities for backup players. Emanuel Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks emerged as a top running back add after Jadarian Price was placed on the injured list, handling the majority of touches. Will Shipley of the Philadelphia Eagles became the sole active running back after Saquon Barkley and Tank Bigsby were sidelined. T.J. Hockenson of the Minnesota Vikings saw a massive spike in production with Justin Jefferson out. Other notable adds include Keon Coleman of the Buffalo Bills, Dohnte Meyers of the Cincinnati Bengals, and Antonio Williams of the Washington Commanders, all benefiting from starting wide receiver absences. Quarterback options like Kirk Cousins and Jameis Winston also offer value due to favorable schedules and volume roles.
Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson confirmed backup quarterback Tyson Bagent will start against the Green Bay Packers in Week 5, as starter Caleb Williams remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. The league saw significant injury updates, including season-ending tears for Arizona’s Paris Johnson Jr. and Green Bay’s Edgerrin Cooper, and a retirement announcement for defensive end Marcus Davenport.
The San Francisco 49ers are ranked No. 1 after a perfect start, while the Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins sit at the bottom. Significant injuries to star players have reshaped the league hierarchy.
NFL Week 4 produced an unprecedented wave of injuries, sidelining stars like Ja'Marr Chase, Lamar Jackson, and Saquon Barkley. While some injuries appear minor, others like Tyquan Thornton's dislocated ankle and Edgerrin Cooper's Achilles tear threaten to end seasons. The league's depth charts are being tested as teams navigate a brutal start to the 2026 season.
The Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, and Minnesota Vikings are the only teams with a 4-0 record after Week 4. The Chiefs narrowly beat the Las Vegas Raiders 30-27, while the 49ers and Vikings won 24-14 and 15-10, respectively. The New England Patriots defeated the Buffalo Bills 29-26, and the Dallas Cowboys beat the Houston Texans 34-30. The Philadelphia Eagles suffered significant injuries, including Saquon Barkley, before their London game.
Week 4 of the 2026 NFL season was defined by widespread injuries forcing teams to rely on deep-bench players and third-string quarterbacks. Key fantasy takeaways include Austin Ekeler's emergence for Washington, Zay Flowers' return to full duty for Baltimore, and significant usage shifts for rookie tight ends. The week also highlighted the struggles of projected contenders like the Rams and Eagles, while the 49ers and Bears maintained strong records despite roster gaps.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins suffered an adductor injury during a 22-17 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, following the earlier exit of star teammate Ja'Marr Chase due to a concussion. Higgins recorded 11 catches for 157 yards, his second-best career total, before leaving the game in the fourth quarter. Head coach Zac Taylor confirmed the adductor diagnosis, though the severity remains unclear. The Bengals' receiving corps was further depleted by injuries to Andrei Iosivas and Colbie Young in previous games, leaving only Dohnte Meyers and Mitch Tinsley healthy for the final drive. Joe Burrow threw for 428 yards, but the team could not overcome the defensive pressure or the absence of their top two receivers.
Sunday's NFL Week 4 slate produced a significant wave of injuries, with star running back Saquon Barkley and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase exiting early. The Philadelphia Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals lost key playmakers, while the Green Bay Packers face a season-ending Achilles injury for linebacker Edgerrin Cooper. Other notable exits include Marcus Mariota for Washington and Tyquan Thornton for Kansas City, who suffered a dislocated ankle. The league continues to monitor a wide array of hamstring, knee, and concussion issues across multiple rosters.
NFL Week 4 features significant injury updates, with the Broncos losing both starting cornerbacks, the Ravens' Lamar Jackson exiting with an ankle issue, and the Commanders' Terry McLaurin ruled out for a London game.
The Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams face off in a critical Week 4 matchup, with both teams dealing with significant injury issues. The Eagles are missing key receivers DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and Hollywood Brown, while the Rams are without defensive stars Aaron Donald and Jaylen Watson, though wide receiver Puka Nacua returns. The game is seen as a potential playoff preview, with the Rams needing a win to reach .500 and the Eagles looking to maintain their division lead.
Week 3 injuries have created a volatile trade market, with managers urged to buy undervalued assets like Zay Flowers and Michael Wilson while selling overpriced performers like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.